Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 28 November 2003

79 articles found

The politics of religious pluralism

The politics of religious pluralism Muhamad Ali, Lecturer, Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University (UIN), Jakarta, muhamad@hawaii.edu Religion has become part of not only private but also public life in Indonesia as elsewhere. The question about how the state should deal with religious pluralism remains unresolved and therefore needs to be rethought. The Indonesian Constitution clearly states that every person has the right to worship according to his or her own religion and beliefs.

Traditional markets quiet due to long holiday

Traditional markets quiet due to long holiday Leony Aurora The Jakarta Post Jakarta The littered and muddy streets in traditional markets do not see the usual lively bargaining between sellers and buyers these days, as most people are still on holiday in their hometowns. When The Jakarta Post visited Kramatjati Wholesale Market and Jatinegara Regional Market in East Jakarta on Thursday, they were relatively quiet. Most vendors said that the situation would return to normal next Monday.

'Without a long holiday I won't have a vacation'

'Without a long holiday I won't have a vacation' The government extended the official Idul Fitri holiday this year until the end of the month, a policy imposed not only by the city administration and state institutions but also by private companies. The Jakarta Post spoke with several people about the long holiday. Yulia, 28, works at a research company in Jakarta and lives in Karet, Central Jakarta. She is on a one-week holiday: I have enough holidays to go to Bali with my friends.

Understanding the causes of Jakarta traffic congestions

Understanding the causes of Jakarta traffic congestions To understand traffic problems thoroughly is the first step toward an attempt to solve this royal mess, right? Here are several corroborating fact(or)s, which contribute to the horrendous traffic conditions in the city. 1.

Plan to sign UN anticorruption pact applauded

Plan to sign UN anticorruption pact applauded Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta An observer has welcomed the government's plan to sign the United Nations Convention against Corruption, saying that only with a strong commitment to implementing the pact will it possible to significantly improve the country's sluggish drive against widespread corruption.

ASEAN power grid master plan to be ready soon

ASEAN power grid master plan to be ready soon Dow Jones, Bangkok A master plan for the power grid interconnection among member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations is expected to be finalized in January, a senior Thai electricity official said late on Wednesday.

Jakarta holidaymakers trickle back slowly

Jakarta holidaymakers trickle back slowly Tony Hotland The Jakarta Post Jakarta Tias, 42, dragged his luggage, some bags and a few cardboard boxes, toward the front of the Senen railway station, East Jakarta. He had just arrived in the city after celebrating Idul Fitri with his parents in Tegal, Central Java. Tias was one of around 6,000 passengers arriving at the station on Thursday. One conspicuously crowded train, the Kertajaya train, unloaded 925 passengers.

1. EVICTION: 48 pt, 2 cols, 4 x 12

1. EVICTION: 48 pt, 2 cols, 4 x 12 City gears up to make more Jakartans homeless again 2. EDU: 36 pt, 2 cols, 3 x 21 'Education, another means to eradicate corruption' 3. VISA: 32 pt, 3 cols, 2 x 25 Govt delays implementation of new visa policy again 4. PRESS: 28 pt, 2 cols, 2 x 20 Muzzling press in Aceh shows wider clampdown 5. ODD: 20 pt, 2 cols, 1 x 28 (two stories below) 5.1: Naked runner braves cold 5.2: Hunters to rid capital of rats

Motorcycle sales projected to jump by 14% next year

Motorcycle sales projected to jump by 14% next year Sandy Darmosumarto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Political stability, low inflation, higher economic growth, and plenty of consumer loans from banks are expected to drive up motorcycle sales next year, the Association of Indonesian Motorcycle Industry (AISI) said. AISI vice chairman Gunadi Sindhuwinata said that sales in 2004 were projected to increase by more than 14 percent to 3.2 million units from an estimated 2.8 million units this year.

Philippine economy expands 4.4% in Q3

Philippine economy expands 4.4% in Q3 Associated Press, Manila The Philippine economy grew by 4.4 percent on year during the third quarter of 2003, outperforming Taiwan, Indonesia, Singapore and South Korea, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo said Thursday. Gross national product rose by 5.9 percent on year during the same period.

Rebirth of Constitution without legitimacy

Rebirth of Constitution without legitimacy Denny Indrayana, Lecturer, Constitutional Law, University of Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta When a constitution lacks legitimacy, it is but a worthless document. Legitimacy must be present in the drafting of every constitution. Unfortunately, the main weakness of the Constitutional Commission is the absence of legitimacy. John Elster (1993) distinguishes three kinds of legitimacy in the drafting of a constitution.

Most KPUDs fail to meet party screening deadline

Most KPUDs fail to meet party screening deadline Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Most Provincial General Elections Commissions (KPUDs) failed to meet Thursday's deadline to submit field verification reports to the General Election Commission (KPU), prompting the commission to announce in stages parties eligible for next year's elections.

Taufik prays for Hindu priest

Taufik prays for Hindu priest JAKARTA: President Megawati Soekarnoputri's husband Taufik Kiemas expressed condolences for the death of Bali's highest Hindu priest Ida Pedanda Rsi Agung Penatih in Denpasar, Bali on Thursday. Taking time from his family vacation on the resort island, Taufik visited the Puri Agung Penatih temple, to pay his respects. The noted Hindu priest died at the age of 98-years-old on Sunday and will be cremated on Feb. 25 next year.

Travelers influx still low, yet to reach its peak

Travelers influx still low, yet to reach its peak Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Tias, 42, dragged his luggage, some bags and a few cardboard boxes, toward the front of the Senen railway station, East Jakarta. He had just arrived in the city after celebrating Idul Fitri with his parents in Tegal, Central Java. Tias was one of around 6,000 passengers arriving at the station on Thursday. One conspicuously crowded train, the Kertajaya train, unloaded 925 passengers.

Two mishaps stir quiet toll road

Two mishaps stir quiet toll road JAKARTA: Two traffic accidents took place almost simultaneously on the Jagorawi toll road on Thursday morning, but no fatalities were reported. The first accident took place at Kilometer 14.5 of the toll road heading to Bogor when a medium-sized container truck caught on fire at about 9 a.m. The truck was carrying packages of preserved food. The driver and crew of the truck managed to get out before the fire engulfed the truck.

JP/17/LALIN

JP/17/LALIN How messed up is Jakarta's traffic? Damar Harsanto The Jakarta Post Jakarta People often assume that if traffic is congested less accidents will occur, as the slower flow of vehicles will restrain reckless drivers. But, it seems that in Jakarta, where traffic jams are as regular as they are tiresome, this rule is not applicable.

Education, another mean to eradicate corruption: Experts

Education, another mean to eradicate corruption: Experts Dewi Santoso, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Schools could help disseminate anti-corruption messages among students from an early age, an expert said on Thursday. Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University rector Azyumardi Azra said the nationwide campaign against corruption could be shared with students in school during political and moral classes.

Old crime, new crisis

Old crime, new crisis Of all the human rights abuses committed under the authoritarian former Indonesian president Soeharto, why has one military massacre of Muslim civilians been singled out for accountability, almost two decades after the fact? The answer is as much entwined in the present day threat posed by extremist Islam - and its terrorist offshoots - as in popular demands to right past wrongs.

People return to Medan city

People return to Medan city MEDAN, North Sumatra: After two days celebrating Idul Fitri, people from rural areas here have begun to return to Medan, the capital of North Sumatra. Hundreds of people flooded bus terminals and railway stations in several regencies in North Sumatra province on Thursday, hoping to reach Medan quickly. The influx could be observed at railway stations and bus terminals, including those in Kisaran, Rantauprapat and Tanjung Balai regencies.

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U.S. orders, confidence data show growth on rise Brussels mulls legal action as pact's future questioned Philippine economy expands 4.4% in Q3

Traffic in Jakarta

Traffic in Jakarta During the last few months road traffic in Jakarta has been going from bad to worse; with the arrival of the rainy season it has been further worsened. It takes a lot of energy, patience and utmost use of your logic and math skills to reach your destination a bit earlier than others. This traffic scenario must have raised the eyebrows of Jakarta traffic police as well as city planners, and maybe they are scratching their heads to work out a solution to this traffic madness.

Full gas supply to Singapore hoped to resume soon

Full gas supply to Singapore hoped to resume soon Sandy Darmosumarto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The full supply of natural gas from West Natuna to Singapore is likely to resume on Tuesday after a halt since early last week due to a two-inch leak in the 650-kilometer gas pipeline located 80 meters under the sea, according to the authority. "A missing bleeder valve caused the leak.

Newspapers 'disappear' in Manado

Newspapers 'disappear' in Manado MANADO, North Sulawesi: Newspapers were hardly seen in Manado on Thursday, as people were still celebrating the Idul Fitri holiday. Shops and newsstands were mostly closed, while newspaper deliverers were a rarity, too. Among local newspapers published in Manado are Manado Post, Global News, Komentar, Posko and Metro. Local and national newspapers, generally, did not publish on Tuesday and Wednesday, as they were national holidays.

Bekasi rejects no-skill migrants

Bekasi rejects no-skill migrants BEKASI: Bekasi deputy mayor Mochtar Mohamad asked residents on Thursday not to bring relatives or friends back from their villages to live in the municipality, especially unskilled job- seekers. "Looking for a job here without the required skills only brings more trouble to themselves and our community," he said. It is common for holidaymakers to bring their relatives back from their hometowns after the Idul Fitri holiday.

Dump sites poison residents

Dump sites poison residents BEKASI: Residents living near a dump for Jakarta's waste are drinking water contaminated with sewage, potentially deadly poisons and heavy metals, a non-governmental organization revealed Thursday. Environment Community Union (ECU) director Benny Ungul said analyses of water taken from the wells of residents from Sumur Batu village showed the water contained coliform bacteria, cyanide, chloride, cadmium, chrome and zinc. The water was also reaching local rivers.

KPU seeks speedy customs process

KPU seeks speedy customs process JAKARTA: The General Elections Commission (KPU) has sent a letter to the Ministry of Finance asking the latter to speed up the customs and tax office's checking process on imported computers for next year's elections. KPU deputy chairman Ramlan Surbakti said on Thursday that the imported computers should be sent to provinces, regencies and municipalities across the country on schedule.

Jakarta traffic

Jakarta traffic Streets and area often used for illegal track races: Jl. Asia Afrika, South Jakarta Jl. Panjang, Kebon Jeruk, West Jakarta Jl. Benyamin Sueb, Kemayoran, Central Jakarta Pangkalan Jati, Pondok Gede Jl. Basuki Rahmat, East Jakarta Jl. Gajah Mada, West Jakarta Jl. Arteri Pondok Indah, South Jakarta Jl. Casablanca, South Jakarta Jl. Puri Kembangan, West Jakarta Jl. Dewi Sartika, East Jakarta Jl. Warung Buncit, South Jakarta Jl.

Country Profile : Finland

Country Profile : Finland Publication date: December 6 Approval Date: December 3 Message from the Ambassador of Finland Finland and Indonesia are very different countries and far away from each other, but they also have a few things in common. Both countries have a lot of islands, Indonesia mainly large and Finland small. And large parts of both countries are covered by forests. Both countries also have a lady President. The relations between our two countries are longstanding.

Vietnam to issue new notes, coins starting Dec. 17

Vietnam to issue new notes, coins starting Dec. 17 Associated Press Hanoi, Vietnam Vietnam will issue two new notes and three new coins from Dec. 17, including its highest ever denomination note worth 500,000 dong (US$32), Central Bank Governor Le Duc Thuy said on Thursday. The new notes will have a face value of 500,000 dong and 50,000 dong, while the coins will have face values of 5,000 dong, 1,000 dong and 200 dong. Currently, the country's largest denomination note is worth 100,000 dong.

Old crime, new crisis

Old crime, new crisis JP/6/E05 authoritarian former Indonesian president Soeharto, why has one military massacre of Muslim civilians been singled out for accountability, almost two decades after the fact? The answer is as much entwined in the present day threat posed by extremist Islam - and its terrorist offshoots - as in popular demands to right past wrongs.

Community health

Community health From Republika The government has declared the national health vision under the name of "Indonesia Sehat 2010" (Healthy Indonesia 2010) but this will remain just a hope, a reason why Health Minister Ahmad Sujudi has said it will be very difficult to empower the community in the health sector under the national health system.

More than 200 km of drainage in Bandung badly damaged

More than 200 km of drainage in Bandung badly damaged Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Bandung, West Java Bandung is a favored destination, especially for short holiday trips from the capital, but the poor state of its drainage, which causes traffic congestion, will increasingly put visitors off, an official here said.

Garuda profit may drop by 80% this year: CEO

Garuda profit may drop by 80% this year: CEO Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Profits for Garuda Indonesia, the country's national airline, may plunge by 80 percent this year due to a sharp downturn in business amid various uncertainties plaguing the industry, a senior official said.

How messed up is Jakarta's traffic?

How messed up is Jakarta's traffic? Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta People often assume that if traffic is congested less accidents will occur, as the slower flow of vehicles will restrain reckless drivers. But, it seems that in Jakarta, where traffic jams are as regular as they are tiresome, this rule is not applicable.

Communal clash broke out in Sawahlunto

Communal clash broke out in Sawahlunto The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Dozens of community leaders from the West Sumatra regency of Sawahlunto Sijunjung agreed on Thursday to resolve differences after clashes involving villagers from two districts. During the tense meeting at Sawahlunto Sijunjung Police Headquarters the leaders agreed that villagers from Padang Sibusuk who had attacked and looted Muaro Kalaban should repay the losses suffered.

JP/17/TRAFFIC

JP/17/TRAFFIC Understanding the causes of Jakarta traffic jams To understand traffic problems thoroughly is the first step toward an attempt to solve this royal mess, right? Here are several corroborating fact(or)s, which contribute to the horrendous traffic conditions in the city. 1.

Traditional markets quiet during long holiday

Traditional markets quiet during long holiday Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The littered and muddy streets in traditional markets do not see the usual lively bargaining between sellers and buyers these days, as most people are still on holiday in their hometowns. When The Jakarta Post visited Kramatjati Wholesale Market and Jatinegara Regional Market in East Jakarta on Thursday, they were relatively quiet. Most vendors said that the situation would return to normal next Monday.

An Idul Fitri anomaly

An Idul Fitri anomaly The most celebrated of Islamic holidays, Idul Fitri, is sometimes accompanied by unwanted problems. It is in such a blissful time, when people are earnestly forgiving one other, that crime actually reaches its peak. Robbers regularly break into homes left empty by families on holiday, while accidents haunt those on the move as they pack buses, trains and ferries to be with their families and friends for the annual celebration.

* Headlines: Thousands more in Jakarta to be evicted 2

* Headlines: Thousands more in Jakarta to be evicted 2 * National:Top Aceh leader surrenders to military 5 * Archipelago:Communal clash breaks out in Sawahlunto 4 * Opinion:Rebirth of Constitution without legitimacy 6 * City: Food courts, game centers still crowded 8 * Sports: Milan leads parade into sweet 16 in Europe 10 * World:Ferries collide in Congo, 163 killed 11 * Business: Garuda profit may drop by 80 percent this year 13 Special Report: Jakarta's traffic mess.

1. LALIN -- 1 x 35

1. LALIN -- 1 x 35 How messed up is Jakarta's traffic? 2. TRAF -- 2 x 27 Understanding the causes of Jakarta traffic jams 3. POL2 -- 2 x 21 Police lay down the law to promote public discipline

When there's a will ...

When there's a will ... We are German citizens, living in Indonesia. My husband is working in the field of education development with the German government. Our daughter is a medical student, who wanted to visit us for two weeks. Upon her arrival, I could not find her at Soekarno-Hatta airport. As I learned later, she was not allowed by Indonesian immigration to enter the country and was sent back. Her German passport was valid for only one more month instead of the six months required.

Meeting folks at home makes up for 40-hour trip

Meeting folks at home makes up for 40-hour trip Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, Bukittinggi, West Sumatra Syahrial, 21, did not feel like returning to his hometown near Bukittinggi, West Sumatra, this year. But he finally decided to, as his mother had incessantly been asking him to celebrate Idul Fitri there this year. Wearing sandals and ticketless, he packed his bags and carried a cardboard box with him that Saturday morning, Nov.

In sobering lesson for Asia, Thailand struggles to care for AIDS

In sobering lesson for Asia, Thailand struggles to care for AIDS victims Sarah Stewart Agence France-Presse Bangkok As one of the first Asian nations to be hit with HIV-AIDS, Thailand is now struggling to bear the burden of caring for hundreds of thousands of dying victims and the families they leave behind.

Women migrant workers

Women migrant workers From Media Indonesia With great enthusiasm and hope, a number of Indonesian women -- married or single -- register themselves at workers recruitment agencies to work overseas and help feed their families. Unfortunately, while abroad, many of these migrant workers have been subjected to torture. They have to suffer physically and mentally. Some of them are now being treated at Kramatjati Police Hospital in Jakarta.

City gears up to make more Jakartans homeless

City gears up to make more Jakartans homeless Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Just one day after the Idul Fitri holiday, when people ask each other for forgiveness, the Jakarta administration has been gearing up to turn more families homeless with its eviction plans. Thousands of families in the North Jakarta, East Jakarta and Central Jakarta municipalities have received eviction notices from respective municipal offices.

Inmates mark Idul Fitri in solitary revelry

Inmates mark Idul Fitri in solitary revelry Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Idul Fitri is usually a time for family gatherings, but many inmates at Cipinang Penitentiary, East Jakarta, passed the day in solitary revelry. "It hurts to see my cell mates being visited by their families and friends, while my parents are far away on Sumatra," 21-year- old Raymon told The Jakarta Post after the Idul Fitri prayer on Tuesday.

Text message traffic soars during holiday

Text message traffic soars during holiday Sari P. Setiogi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The number of text messages sent in Indonesia soared by up to 500 percent over the Idul Fitri holidays. "Our text message traffic was up to five times higher than the normal level. We estimated earlier that it would only increase by up to three times," cellular phone operator PT Excelcomindo Pratama's spokesman Fritz E. Simandjuntak told The Jakarta Post on Thursday.

House torched as owner travels

House torched as owner travels JAKARTA: A fire razed a house on Jl. Kejayaan Dalam No. 7, Krukut in Taman Sari district, West Jakarta, early on Thursday morning while its owner was away on holiday. Neighbors said the owner, Umar Ahmad, 50, was celebrating Idul Fitri out of town with all of his family members. Preliminary indications showed that the fire may have been caused by an electric tea-maker which was apparently left on since Monday, when the family left.

Freeport confirms new casualties

Freeport confirms new casualties The Jakarta Post, Jakarta American mining giant Freeport McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. has confirmed that two workers were killed on Saturday by deadly fumes at the Grasberg mine in Papua, which is owned by its subsidiary PT Freeport Indonesia (FI). The New Orleans-based firm said in a statement released on Wednesday (Thursday in Indonesia) that the two workers were asphyxiated in an underground tunnel conveying ore from the Grasberg mine to mill facilities.

Crowds pack malls, tourist resort

Crowds pack malls, tourist resort PEKANBARU, Riau: Two days after the celebration of Idul Fitri, shopping malls and recreation centers in Pekanbaru were still packed with holidaymakers. Thousands of people turned up on Thursday at Plaza Citra, Plaza Senapelan and Pekanbaru Mall in downtown Pekanbaru city. Some were just sightseeing while others, especially children, played games under the surveillance of their parents.

Part 2 of 2: Will revision of regional autonomy law fail?

Part 2 of 2: Will revision of regional autonomy law fail? P. Agung Pambudhi, Executive Director, Monitoring Committee of Regional Autonomy Implementation (KPPOD), Jakarta Although the plan to revise the law on regional autonomy has often been publicly discussed, the public is yet to be adequately informed about the stages of achievement and the deadline.

Officer says 'ecolabeling' will benefit local firms

Officer says 'ecolabeling' will benefit local firms The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government is claiming that the planned national "ecolabeling" measures will help ensure that manufacturing and agricultural products are accepted by developed countries.

Visitors throng food courts and games centers at malls

Visitors throng food courts and games centers at malls M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The prolonged Idul Fitri holiday and the absence of housemaids, who have returned to their hometowns, have made families to flock to malls in the capital to dine in and take children to the games centers available inside the malls. The number of visitors has been increasing compared to regular days.

Yusril's complaint over pay sparks fury

Yusril's complaint over pay sparks fury Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Activists were divided on Thursday over what should be the appropriate salary for state officials, including that for cabinet ministers, with some saying the current salary levels were adequate, with others saying the opposite.

No domestic help, better rent a room

No domestic help, better rent a room Evi Mariani and Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Hundreds, possibly thousands of families living in the metropolis whose housemaids joined the Idul Fitri exodus, spent their holiday in upmarket hotels throughout Jakarta, avoiding daily household chores and enjoying the hotels' facilities like swimming pools and fitness centers.

Villagers of Talago pray desolate 'Ied'

Villagers of Talago pray desolate 'Ied' As the merry mood of the awaited first day of Idul Fitri celebrations turned almost every corner of this predominantly Muslim country into spots of celebrations, the remote hamlet of Talago at the foot of Mount Singgalang in Bukittinggi, West Sumatra, stood quiet since the villagers were still fasting for one last day.

Military Command discharges 38 soldiers for crimes, desertion

Military Command discharges 38 soldiers for crimes, desertion Yemris Fointuna, The Jakarta Post, Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara A military command here has dishonorably discharged 38 soldiers for desertion, various crimes and moral violations, an Army officer said in the East Nusa Tenggara capital of Kupang. The soldiers were discharged after being found guilty of violations by a military court in Kupang, said Col.

Bekasi police office robbed

Bekasi police office robbed BEKASI: A police office in Bekasi was robbed on Wednesday evening when there was no one around, resulting in the loss of several documents and Rp 7 million (US$823) in cash from a safe. The Sri Hadi Makmur building, which also serves as the office of the police's public services, is located on Jl. Jatiluhur Raya, Jakasampurna in Bekasi.

Chronic garbage mess in Mampang

Chronic garbage mess in Mampang From Koran Tempo Citizens of Mampang Prapatan, particularly Tegal Parang subdistrict, South Jakarta, have been complaining about poor garbage handling in the area, which has remained unsolved despite all the reports to relevant authorities. For quite some time, people in the subdistrict neighborhoods have been messing their streets with garbage, which not only creates unpleasant sights but also poses health hazards.

Students find ways to travel back home

Students find ways to travel back home Marilin, The Jakarta Post, Depok The scarcity and high cost of bus and train tickets failed to deter university students in Depok from traveling to their hometowns to celebrate Idul Fitri. Ika, a student, said she did not care what a ticket to Pontianak in West Kalimantan cost, because it had already been three years since she had gone home. "I have to go home this Idul Fitri .... I miss my parents and relatives and old friends as well.

Japan, S.Korea among Asia's top seeds

Japan, S.Korea among Asia's top seeds TOKYO: Japan and South Korea, co-hosts of the 2002 World Cup, have been named among eight top seeds for the first round of Asian qualifiers for the 2006 finals in Germany, the Japan Football Association (JFA) said on Wednesday. The draw will be conducted by FIFA in Frankfurt on Dec. 5 with the Asian qualifiers scheduled to kick off on Febr. 18, JFA general secretary Takeo Hirata said following official notification from the Asian Football Confederation.

Where to go in Jakarta: Friday, November 28, 2003

Where to go in Jakarta: Friday, November 28, 2003 Exhibitions * Exhibition of antiquarian maps and prints of Indonesia form the 16th century to the present time, at Gedung Arsip Nasional (the National Archive Building), Jl. Gajah Mada 111, Central Jakarta, (Tel. 6347744), 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Dec. 2. * An exhibition of over 100 terracotta's from the Majapahit Kingdom period, 13th-15th century, East Java and other parts of the archipelago. The Royal Treasures Room, Dharma Mulia Galleries, Jl.

Govt delays implementation of new visa policy again

Govt delays implementation of new visa policy again Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government has again postponed the implementation of the new policy revoking the visa-on-arrival facility extended to nationals of 48 countries, saying the President must consider opposition from tourism industry players. The implementation of the controversial policy had earlier been delayed on Oct. 1 because its operational regulations had not yet been issued. Ade E.

Police lay down the law to promote public discipline

Police lay down the law to promote public discipline In a last-ditch effort to address traffic problems in the city, the Jakarta Police Traffic Division recently launched a campaign to promote discipline among drivers. "We are intensifying our monitoring of areas prone to traffic congestion, accidents and traffic violations, including the misuse of streets for illegal racing," said division chief Sr. Comr. Sulistyo Ishak.

Achieving

Achieving national discipline It is amazing that the problem of transition toward democracy, which has characterized Indonesian political development during the past five years, has recently triggered a hectic debate between scholars and commentators. Also, the debate has involved an exchange of opposing arguments from differing perspectives, as manifest in a dozen lengthy articles published in Kompas, from Sept. 29 to date.

Early screening for KPK hopefuls

Early screening for KPK hopefuls JAKARTA: As many as 40 candidates for the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) executive body are expected to undergo the third and last interview for the five seats in the commission on Saturday. The KPK selection committee had announced that it would accelerate the selection process due to time constraints. The profile assessment was previously scheduled for next week.

TV Today: Friday, November 28, 2003

TV Today: Friday, November 28, 2003 .TB.30" .90" TVRI .tb .30" .90" 6:00 a.m. News: Berita Pagi 7:30 Music 8:30 Comedy 10:00 Quiz: Dibisikin 11:00 Religious Teachings 11:30 Singing Contest: Konteswara 12:30 p.m. Music 1:00 News: Berita Siang 2:30 Comedy Drama 3:00 News 3:30 Documentary 4:00 Children Show: Pentas Ceria 5:00 Comedy Drama 6:00 English News Service 7:00 News 8:00 Music 9:00 News: Dunia Dalam Berita 9:30 TV Drama 10:30 Talk Show: Bincang Malam TPI 6:00 a.m.

Yogyakarta markets reopen

Yogyakarta markets reopen YOGYAKARTA: Several markets in Yogyakarta province reopened on Thursday, two days after the celebration of Idul Fitri, although they were not as busy as usual. A significant number of vegetable traders could be seen at work in Beringhardjo, Kranggan and Patuk markets in the city. Others were also seen at markets in Sleman regency, including those at Godean and Pakem. -- Antara

Traffic violation charges/sentences under Law No.14/1992 on traffic

Traffic violation charges/sentences under Law No.14/1992 on traffic Violation Article Maximum Sentence imprisonment fine (months) (millions/Rp) 1. Driving against designated traffic 54 3 3 2. Driving without registration (STNK) 57 (2) 2 2 3. Not carrying driver's license 59 (1) 6 2 4. Unlicensed driver 59 (2) 6 6 5. Not giving pedestrians right of way 60 (2) 1 1 6. Not following traffic signs/signals 61 (1) 1 1 7. Driving without helmet/seat belt 61 (3) 1 1

City of shopping centers

City of shopping centers From Warta Kota Shopping centers have recently sprung up in almost every corner of Jakarta. While the construction of all these new shopping centers has made it easier for residents to go shopping, it is regrettable that they have been built with little heed for the surrounding environment. Some have been built in residential areas and others on water catchment areas.

Over 40 Papuans held for flying separatist flags

Over 40 Papuans held for flying separatist flags Nethy Dharma Somba, The Jakarta Post, Jayapura, Papua Police in the West Papuan town of Manokwari arrested 42 people on Thursday for raising an independence flag on the anniversary of one of the province's self-declared independence days. Manokwari Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr.

Never let 'customer satisfaction' remain a mere slogan

Never let 'customer satisfaction' remain a mere slogan Mahendra Gautama, Contributor, Jakarta It is generally agreed that a holiday that includes a pleasant traveling experience produces a positive effect. Such a holiday becomes an invigorating experience that is worlds apart from the daily hectic and boring routines of most people. For businesspeople, such a holiday enhances their performance at work. Today, many companies reward their employees who have performed well with a holiday.

1. PAPUA: 3 LINES, 16 COUNTS

1. PAPUA: 3 LINES, 16 COUNTS Over 40 Papuans arrested for flying independence flag 2. SALARY: 1 LINE, 30 COUNTS Yusril's complaint over pay sparks fury 3. AIDS: 2 LINES, 27 COUNTS Thailand struggles to pay cost of HIV-AIDS impact 4. HOTELS: 1 LINES, 35 COUNTS No domestic help, better rent a room

LG Card needs capital to survive

LG Card needs capital to survive SEOUL: Standard and Poor's warned Thursday that LG Card, South Korea's largest credit card company, would require a capital injection much larger than a pledged one trillion won (US$832 million) to be kept afloat. Eight creditor banks have decided to extend a $1.7 billion rescue package to pull LG Card Co. Ltd. back from the brink of bankruptcy.

Visitors flock food courts, games centers

Visitors flock food courts, games centers M. Taufiqurrahman The Jakarta Post Jakarta The prolonged Idul Fitri holiday and the absence of housemaids, who have returned to their hometowns, have made families to flock to malls in the capital to dine in and take children to the games centers available inside the malls. The number of visitors has been increasing compared to regular days.

In tourism, excellent service is paramount

In tourism, excellent service is paramount Agus W. Soehadi, Contributor, Jakarta According to a report issued by the World Trade Organization in 2000, the tourism industry then was one of the fastest growing businesses in the world. The report said more than 657 million tourists worldwide spent US$455 billion that year, while foreign tourists to Indonesia increased from 4.6 million in 1998 to 5.06 million in 2000.

Muzzling press in Aceh shows wider clampdown

Muzzling press in Aceh shows wider clampdown Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The clampdown on reporting on Aceh is part of a broader pattern of silencing Indonesia's press, notes Human Rights Watch (HRW) said in a report released late Wednesday.

Caption for two photos

Caption for two photos CONTRASTING SERVICE QUALITY: While the state-owned railway company, PT KAI, makes available a number of executive trains for longer routes in Java, some of its trains have yet to reach an acceptable standard of passenger convenience. One is depicted in the photo above. With strict regulations yet to be implemented, hundreds of nonpaying passengers ride dangerously on top of a local train plying the Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta, to Serang, West Java, route.

Leading Aceh rebel surrenders to military

Leading Aceh rebel surrenders to military Tengku Agam Muzakir and Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Lhokseumawe/Medan A top Free Aceh Movement (GAM) figure has surrendered to the military authorities in West Aceh regency, the Indonesian Military (TNI) announced on Thursday. Military operation in Aceh spokesman Lt. Col. Ahmad Yani Basuki said Ibrahim Syafii, who claimed to be the GAM governor in Meulaboh, surrendered to West Aceh Military Command troops at around 6 p.m. local time on Wednesday.